Bombardment of Ellwood, Naval gunfire support in the United States of America
The Bombardment of Ellwood, a shelling incident near Santa Barbara, California.
Took place on February 23, 1942, and marks the first shelling of the North American mainland during World War II.
Ellwood site reflects U.S. homeland vulnerability during World War II.
No longer an active site, it is remembered through historical markers.
The attack led to fear of a Japanese invasion and influenced the decision for Japanese American internment.
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Japanese naval bombardments of North America during World War II
GPS coordinates
34.42600,-119.90800
Latest update
August 31, 2026 12:12
